Senator Dodd Announces Delta Watershed Protection Week

SACRAMENTO – In recognition of the critical role the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta plays in California’s economy and environment, the Legislature has passed a resolution from Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, designating the second week of September as Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Watershed Protection Week.

“The Delta is quite simply the lifeblood of our water system throughout the state of California,” Senator Dodd said. “It is so important that we protect it.”

“It is vital to Californians as both a natural resource teeming with abundant wildlife and fish and a vital economic driver for tourism, recreation and local Delta farmers,” Dodd said. “We must continue to protect this cherished watershed by preventing pollution and further marshland degradation and promoting its environmental health.”

Delta week kicks off this year on Sept. 10. A highlight is the annual Delta Waterway Cleanup on Saturday, Sept. 15. A list of cleanup sites and information on how to help is here: http://delta.ca.gov/recreation/cleanup/.

Senator Dodd lauded the stewardship and restoration efforts of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy and Delta Protection Commission. Both have been instrumental in protecting the 1,100-square-mile expanse, including many crucial waterways like the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers, that support 55 fish and 750 plant species and hosts more than 12 million visitors a year.

“Delta Watershed Protection Week is a great way to highlight what a wonderful place the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is and help Californians understand the importance of this region in their daily lives,” said Campbell Ingram, executive officer of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy. “The Delta is the hub of California’s water system. It has some of the most productive agricultural land on Earth and is an amazing recreation and tourism opportunity.”

“In the Delta, more than 660 square miles of farmland and 500,000 rural and urban residents are sustained by the watershed,” said Erik Vink, executive director of the Delta Protection Commission. “However, the Delta watershed is vital to all Californians -- providing water throughout large portions of the state, offering recreational opportunities to visitors, and sustaining a network of ecosystems. Delta Watershed Protection Week is an opportunity to celebrate our watershed and take actions to ensure its health for future generations.”

To learn more about the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy’s mission to preserve, protect and restore the natural resources, economy and agriculture of the Delta, visit: http://deltaconservancy.ca.gov/

The Delta watershed is your backyard playground -- a short drive from the San Francisco Bay, Sacramento, and Stockton areas. Explore www.VisitCADelta.com for places to stay, eat, and play during #DeltaWatershedWeek.

Senator Bill Dodd represents California’s 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Sonoma, Solano, Yolo, Sacramento, and Contra Costa counties. You can learn more about Senator Dodd at www.sen.ca.gov/dodd.